The Learning Lab offers seventy networked computers with resources to supplement
most courses taught at Pearl River
Community College. From College Algebra to Anatomy & Physiology
to Developmental English, students utilize the lab to complete review/skill-building
assignments as well as many required assignments. Students may also
use a wide array of word processing programs including: Microsoft Works,
Word, and WordPerfect. All the computers have internet
access for research and online testing purposes. The Learning Lab
has a total of 85 networked computers.The Learning Lab has over 820 commerical
and teacher created software programs. The Learning Lab has over 4126 videos
used to enhance classes and provide additional instruction. Three
content-area instructors are available to assist students and faculty. There are also 9 computers for online testing.

Many classes
at PRCC meet on a regular basis in the Learning Lab. Some classes, such
as Developmental Mathematics, are taught completely using computer-assisted
instruction in the Lab, where the instructor serves as a facilitator
rather than a lecturer. This allows the student to work at his/her
own pace with instructor support. Objective mastery is determined
by the students' individual learning rates-- unlike traditional classrooms
where the teacher determines the pace of the class.

Interactive computer programs allow science students to supplement their
studies of specific topics. For instance, Anatomy & Physiology students
are able to use software such as ADAM that reinforce laboratory as well
as lecture concepts. Biology and Microbiology instructors assign selected
videos and software that enhance classroom instruction. Many chemistry
students take advantage of the learning lab by completing computer exercises
which allow them to practice concepts. All science textbooks have
online tutorials that students can access through the lab's computers.

The English
Department implements the Learning Lab at all levels. The Developmental
English I and Developmental English II students receive a lab grade by
using the computerized tutorial, SkillsBankV, to complete a learning lab
skill sheet. Composition I instructors require the ENG 1113 students to
complete a Critical Reading Component in the program, as a result, the
ENG 1113 students increase their critical reading skills that are necessary
for literary criticisms. English Composition II students work in
the program, Reading About English Literature, to increase their critical
reading skills.

All English students have
a Pretest Analysis Sheet that provides them with a list of objectives that
have not been mastered; therefore, the students can work on these skills
and increase their writing abilities. Computerized review tutorials are available
for all literature classes; in addition, the Lab provides tutorials for
Traditional Grammar and Occupational Writing. Reading instructors utilize
the Lab weekly with their Developmental Reading classes. The instructors
implement technology for reinforcing, and testing the students.

The Learning Lab provides
computerized tutorials and support for all disciplines in order to meet
the student needs in academic, technical and vocational programs.